Dennis Kirkwood, 75, passed away Friday, January 25 at his home in Lake Mary, Florida. He was born May 12, 1944, to Vivian and Thomas Kirkwood in Providence, Rhode Island.

Dennis led a life of curiosity and knowledge seeking. He served in the U.S. military during Vietnam from 1967 - 1969 as a 1st Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army and received the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and 2 OS bars. After his military service he and his wife, Susan, started Cheddar Corkscrew and Sons wine and cheese shop in Longwood, FL. That shop blossomed into a well regarded full-service catering company, Bon Appetit. He was a guild-certified sommelier and in 1977 was one of the founding members of the Alliance of Sommeliers, Orlando chapter and subsequent president for many years. Dennis had a passion for his family, fishing, the outdoors, educating, understanding, reading and was an active volunteer at his local VFW.

A celebration of life services will be held on Monday, February 11, 2019, at Newcomer 335 East State Rd. 434, Longwood FL at 11:00 AM. Military service will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 US Hwy 1, Mims, FL.

Dennis Kirkwood, 75, passed away Friday, January 25 at his home in Lake Mary, Florida. He was born May 12, 1944, to Vivian and Thomas Kirkwood in Providence, Rhode Island.

Dennis led a life of curiosity and knowledge seeking. He served in the U.S. military during Vietnam from 1967 - 1969 as a 1st Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army and received the Bronze Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and 2 OS bars. After his military service he and his wife, Susan, started Cheddar Corkscrew and Sons wine and cheese shop in Longwood, FL. That shop blossomed into a well regarded full-service catering company, Bon Appetit. He was a guild-certified sommelier and in 1977 was one of the founding members of the Alliance of Sommeliers, Orlando chapter and subsequent president for many years. Dennis had a passion for his family, fishing, the outdoors, educating, understanding, reading and was an active volunteer at his local VFW.

A celebration of life services will be held on Monday, February 11, 2019, at Newcomer 335 East State Rd. 434, Longwood FL at 11:00 AM. Military service will follow at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 US Hwy 1, Mims, FL.

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Memories & Condolences

As a younger brother, I was so honored to be able to follow in your footsteps. Miss you

~ William Kirkwood - February 12, 2019

I didn't know Dennis as well as most, only threw the VFW post 10180. He was very dedicated to his friends & volunteered his awesome cooking skills w/o question. I admired him tremendously, his overall knowledge he would share with me was a blessing as was he. A true hero imo that will be truly missed!

~ john stovall - February 11, 2019

So many wonderful memories! Gene and I look back at over 40 years of wonderful friendship and miss this great, well spoken and learned man. Fondly, Katherine & Gene

~ Katherine & Gene Gerscovich - February 10, 2019

That weekend many years ago with Randy, Joanne at Cedar Key. Great food, great wine and most importantly, great friends. Doesn’t get much better than that.

~ Steve Neilson - February 10, 2019

Dennis and wife Susan were a staple in the Tyler's Cove neighborhood for years. Dennis shared of himself to be the head grill master for the Annual Tyler's Cove Super Bowl Bass Tournament which lasted for years and years. The entire family participated and Dennis himself fished every year prior to extracting himself from the lake to fire up the grill. The event was attended by family, friends and most importantly his children. Dennis loved participating in the events with his "crew".

The event was remembered for the date (every Super Bowl Sunday), the time, 6AM, the prizes, but nothing was ever spoken about more, than "the chicken and those ribs".

Thank you Den for all the great memories. Your legacy will live on with Deiter, Colin and Chace and their families.

Quite a legacy.

~ Craig Van Hooven - February 6, 2019

We had such fun with Dennis when we helped them with their big catering jobs. The most memorable was at the Kissimmee Air Show when the huge tent collapsed on us in a bad storm. We met Bill Nelson there. He was a joy to be with. I still make his potato salad and remember his stories on how to store food. He was really so smart. RIP my friend. !! I will have a glass of wine in your honor.

~ Marti and Kurt Smildsin - February 4, 2019

We are very sad to say goodbye to Dennis.

Dennis loved life and lived it well. He was devoted to his family and was a good friend. He leaves us with many fine and epicurean memories and we will miss him.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

In deepest sympathy,Olivier and Denise

~ Olivier and Denise Lilette - February 2, 2019

I was so sorry to hear about Dennis. He was a great guy. Sending condolences from the Rice family in R.I.

~ Valerie Rice - February 2, 2019

Sending Flowers?

Here’s what you need to know.

Your flower arrangement will be custom-made upon
your order, and our florist needs a few hours to
craft your arrangement.

If you need an arrangement delivered in less than
six (6) hours, please call (800) 707-7361.